Instructors
Cornelius Whitfield
Director of Barber School
Full Time
Mr. Cornelius Whitfield is the Director of the Barbering Program at Pro Way Hair School. Mr. Whitfield has been a barber for 34 years. Starting at the age of sixteen. Mr. Whitfield earned his Barbers License thru apprenticeship under the tutelage of his father. Mr. Whitfield’s passion for his profession is the reason he chose to become a professional educator. He attended Pro Way Hair School and completed the Instructor Program in 2009. Mr. Whitfield’s enthusiasm for the profession he has chosen is recognizable by the students he instructs as he works towards continued improvement in his students and himself.
Symbia Freeman
Barber Instructor
Full Time
Symbia Freeman is an alumnus of Pro Way Hair School. She is a Licensed Barber Instructor for Pro Way Hair School and a Licensed Master Barber with 7 years of professional expertise in the barbering industry. Originally from the small town of Comer, Georgia. Symbia brings creativity, structure, and passion to every aspect of her craft.
Dedicated to elevating the next generation of barbers, she combines technical precision with a fun and engaging approach to learning. Her goal is to inspire creativity, professionalism, and confidence in her students—while reminding them that barbering is both an art and a lifestyle.
Outside the barbershop, Symbia enjoys traveling and spending time in nature, drawing inspiration from the world around her to bring fresh perspectives back to her work behind the chair and in the classroom.
Mr. Tommy M. Harris is
Assistant Barber Director/Barbering Instructor - Full Time
Mr. Tommy M. Harris is the Assistant Barber Director/Barbering Instructor at Pro Way Hair School. Mr. Harris is a U.S. Army Veteran for 14 years. Mr. Harris is a Pro Way Alumni and earned his Barber License through Pro Way Hair School. Mr. Harris’ passion for his profession is the reason he chose to become a professional educator. Mr. Harris’ enthusiasm for the profession is recognizable by his willingness to provide the best education and experience he can by “teaching, coaching, and mentorship”.
Sunja Friend
Cosmetology Instructor
Sunja Friend is an international cosmetology educator and stylist dedicated to transforming lives through beauty and education. With over 18 years as a salon owner and 16 years as an instructor, she brings a wealth of real-world experience and passion to her students.
Mrs. Friend has traveled extensively throughout the Caribbean and Canada, representing a leading haircare company and sharing her expertise with professionals across the globe. Her commitment to excellence and lifelong learning has earned her recognition as a respected voice in the beauty industry—both behind the chair and beyond the classroom.
Mr. Frederick Burton
Cosmetology Instructor
Mr. Burton has been a cosmetologist for 33 years and a Cosmetology educator for 10 years. He received his educator’s training at Empire Beauty School. He is a published Hair Designer and Make-up artist for “ Jet Magazine, Upscale magazine and Jezabel magazine”, a platform artist for Design Essentials, set work for Rain Forest films and Celebrity Hair Design for Tamar Braxton, Karen Clark Sheard, Tonex’ and Juanita Bynum.
